The name of mosque was taken from the Kapitan Kelings, people who were appointed leaders of the South Indian community by the British. The term 'keling' derived from the ancient Hindu kingdom on the Coromandel coast of South India. It was generally used to denote all those who came from there. As the Indians found it difficult to pronounce certain English words, the title "Captain" was somehow transformed into "Kapitan". From there, the Kapitan Kelings or Captains of the Kelings came about.

The mosque also complies with the ancient rule of the Kiblat, which means to face in the direction of the Ka'aba. This is also the direction Muslims must face when praying.

The Kapitan Keling Mosque is used by Muslims five times a day, seven days a week. It is full on Fridays and overflows during the the Muslim celebrations of Hari Raya Aidil Fitri and Hari Raya Haji. Just as the mosque has grown over the past two hundred, so has the number of worshippers and the strength of faith.

Visitor info:

Visiting hours : 1pm to 5pm (Sat to Thurs) & 3pm to 5pm (Friday)

Admission: Free. Guided Tours run by the Islamic Propagation Society International are available at the Islamic Information Centre located at the ground floor of the minaret.

Dress code: Visitors are required to wear robes, which are available.